Intellect Versus Emotion

It has long been assumed that if you go to college, have a decent IQ, and demonstrate proficient technical abilities, you were well on your way toward a successful job and great life. However, there are plenty of examples of extraordinarily smart people who have not done well. In fact, research conducted with Harvard MBAs revealed that many of them failed miserably.

Evidence now shows that emotional intelligence (EI) plays a much larger role in achieving success. Emotional intelligence involves learned and learnable capabilities that support outstanding performance, including empathy, self-control, influence, conflict management, teamwork, and emotional awareness, of oneself and others.

That isn’t to say that there aren’t positions that require high levels of technical knowledge. If you’re an engineer, for example, emotional intelligence isn’t nearly as important as if you’re in marketing. And, generally speaking, above-average intelligence is needed to become a doctor, lawyer or business executive. However, it is emotional intelligence that becomes a key differentiator.

Research has shown that those strongest in emotional intelligence are more likely to succeed than those with similar technical skills or relevant previous experience. Consequently, the higher up in an organization one gets, the more critical emotional intelligence abilities become.

Those with high emotional intelligence are more aware of the impact of their actions on others and better able to manage situations and relationships. A leader with high emotional intelligence creates an environment that promotes collaboration and creativity. Conversely, a leader with low emotional intelligence may shut down his team without even knowing it. Evidence maintains that emotional intelligence is an important factor in effective leadership and plays a crucial role in the performance and overall success of an organization.

Intellect AND Emotion

Society has a perception that people with high IQs are lacking in social graces, a stereotype that is perpetuated in shows such asThe Big Bang Theory depicting a group of geeky nerds led by Sheldon who is practically emotionless. Or Bones with Dr. Temperance Brennan, a highly intelligent scientist without a sense of humor or ability to connect with others.

In reality, where we don’t have writers to ensure a happy ending, the lack of people skills depicted in these shows can be debilitating and devastating to personal and professional success. But as Dr. Brennan learned to be more connected with other people as the series went on, emotional intelligence skills can be learned and improved.

It has been determined that emotional intelligence is much less fixed than IQ and can be developed over time. Coaching can substantially improve emotional intelligence and promote positive change to help managers and leaders be more effective. Because change can be difficult, a coach is vital in providing guidance and the required motivational support.

The most successful leaders are those that enjoy a balance of intellect and emotional intelligence. When high analytic thinking conflicts with emotional understanding, an imbalance occurs, and the ability to effectively deal with emotional situations is compromised. Executive coaching has been proven to be beneficial in developing emotional intelligence capabilities and achieving balance.

Your first and foremost job as a leader is to take charge of your own energy and then help to orchestrate the energy of those around you.

No one possesses a cure-all solution to create effective executive leaders. But, there are specific insights, tools, and benchmarks that can harness demonstrated talent and ability. That’s why we get to know executives in-depth before embarking on any programs. Through a deep dive to truly understand an individual’s behaviors, attitudes, and back-ground factors, we gain insights that lead to a comprehensive profile. We then compare that profile with those of successful executives across the country who are in similar roles.

Customized and Comprehensive

Our program helps executives gain more self-awareness, reduce stress factors that can undermine performance and morale, and increase personal as well as team productivity. We also consider the organization’s requiremen`ts to ensure overall effectiveness across a broader business perspective.

The outcome of this process?Executive coaching strategies that are tailored to specific strengths and weakness-es, so that leaders can be prepared for the challenges of a constantly evolving business world.